Yakiniku Futago is not your run-of-the-mill Japanese barbecue. Firstly, it’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it hole in the wall, tucked away in an assuming side street in Chelsea. But stepping inside is a calm, meditative presence – sleek wooden tables, exposed brick walls and shelves upon shelves of sake fill up the small yet airy space.

Interiors aside, get ready to get your meat sweats on – Futago specializes in beef, in all its delicious shapes and forms. Yes, we’re talking about A5 wagyu, which is the most prized wagyu of them all. Everything has been well thought out with precision – from the Ken Hikofu hand-made glassware using centuries old hand blowing glass techniques, to the cell phone plastic holders which allow you to you to take all of the #foodie Instagram photos your heart desires, while protecting them from the sizzling BBQ plate.

Save some room for the pièce de résistance, the hamideru kalbi, which arrives in a mystical swirl of dry ice and then is promptly slipped onto the grill for a hot minute before being portioned out and served in all its glory. It’s melt in your mouth goodness – all you need is to add a smidge of sauce and you’re set.

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Yakiniku Futago NYC
37 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011
(212) 620-0225

A freelance writer who has appeared in Broadsheet and Monocle, Mel is a recent transplant from Melbourne, Australia. Always on the prowl for NYC’s best restaurants, coolest stores and most inspiring art, Mel is Melting Butter’s fashion, food and design obsessed contributor.

(All photos courtesy Yakiniku Futago NYC)

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